The government has opened a 12-week consultation on proposed security duties for undersea telecoms operators and powers for ministers to order protective action.
The UK government has proposed prison sentences of up to 14 years for intentionally damaging critical undersea energy or telecommunications infrastructure. A White Paper—a document setting out policy proposals—published on 22 October also proposes tougher penalties, including unlimited fines, for reckless or negligent damage. These measures are not yet law.
The connections carry much of the country’s data and energy supplies. According to the government, undersea cables carry around 99 percent of the UK’s international data traffic, while underwater pipelines account for 74 percent of its gas supply.
The government announced its intention to strengthen penalties and introduce security obligations in May. The White Paper adds detail to that plan, which would overhaul legislation dating back to 1885. The Submarine Telegraph Act 1885 originally set a maximum £100 fine for damaging a cable through culpable negligence.
Undersea telecoms operators would have a legal duty to identify and manage security risks. Ministers would gain powers to direct companies and cable repair providers to take action where necessary and proportionate to protect national security.
The government also wants to regulate fibre-optic sensing technology, which uses undersea cables to detect activity at sea. The proposed controls address the risk of sensitive information falling into hostile hands.
UK telecoms minister Ian Murray cited suspicious Russian activity around critical undersea infrastructure and laws more than a century old as reasons for the changes. Previous government estimates attributed up to 97 percent of cable faults to fishing boats and ships dragging anchors.
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The Register noted that Britain already has laws allowing life sentences for serious acts of state-backed sabotage. It also pointed to the difficulty of identifying those responsible when damage happens on the seabed.
The government has opened a 12-week consultation on the proposals. Ministers will decide how to proceed after it ends.
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The change applies across pension schemes from 28 October 2026. Where the member died before 75 and had enough remaining allowance, delays beyond two years no longer make lump sums taxable.
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